Telema Vea

Telema Vea, 77, of West Valley City, Utah, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the loving arms of his wife after many years of battling Parkinson's Disease and progressing dementia.

Telema was born on September 3, 1948, in Kolomotu'a, Tongatapu, Tonga, to Aisea Misitana Vea and Mele Seini Iloilo Vea. His life was a testament to his deep Tongan heritage, his lifelong dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his quiet, unselfish service to all who knew him.

A Life of Faith and Service

After graduating from Liahona High School in Tonga, Telema served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Niua and other islands in Tonga, during which time he met his future wife. He continued his education at the Church School of Hawaii. While in Hawaii, he married that young lady he met on his mission, Teke, and they began their family, welcoming two children, Nona and Telema Jr. They then moved to Utah, where they adopted Jenny and had three more children, Nani, Jackie, and Tana. Several years later, Eni was adopted into the family.

Following the passing of his first wife in 2013, Telema found a devoted companion in JoAnna Smedley Vea, and he lovingly embraced her four children as his own.

A man of unwavering faith, Telema magnified every calling he received. He faithfully served in many capacities, including as a Bishop, a Bishop's Counselor, and a High Counselor. His kind nature and testimony made him a beloved leader and minister to others. He remained faithful and attended church until the last couple weeks of his life.

Mechanic and Devoted Family Man

Telema was a hard worker who retired from Delta Airlines in February 2020 after nearly 22 years of service. Prior to that, he spent almost 30 years as a skilled auto mechanic. It was here that his characteristic unselfishness shone brightest; he was known for fixing others' cars, often refusing payment for his labor and frequently covering the cost of parts himself. For Telema, a trip to the junkyard was a trip to the mall.

Telema was a quiet, faithful man whose greatest joy was his large, eternal family.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Siniteke (Teke) Sika Vea; his parents, Aisea Misitana Vea and Mele Seini Iloilo Vea; brothers Simote, Amoni, Hailame, Cape, and Tomasi, as well as sisters Siueti Paula and Laina Folau.

Telema is survived by his wife, JoAnna; his children: Winona (Nona) Mahina, Telema Jr., Angela (Eni) Tuiaki, Jenny Sika, Jacqueline (Jackie), Quentina (Nani) and Giovanni (Tana), and his stepchildren Samantha, Cassidy, Alex, and Brooklyn Burris. He leaves a beautiful legacy in his 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Telema is also survived by his brothers Tupou and Ika, and his sisters Lenisi Naeata, Rosemary Kinikini, and Patricia Vea.

The family finds comfort in the assurance of the gospel, knowing that because of the Savior's atonement, their separation is temporary and that their family is eternal.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 7, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4322 S. 5400 W. West Valley City, UT 84120. There will be a family viewing from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, public viewing ('Apo Aho) 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and Bishop's Service at 12:30 pm Interment at 2:30 pm will be at Redwood Memorial Park, 6500 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, UT 84123